Police chief to residents: Be aware after 2 fatal shootings

Police chief to residents: Be aware after 2 fatal shootings

Oct. 18, 2017

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Police in a Florida neighborhood are warning people not to walk alone at night following two fatal shootings that investigators say are linked.

Tampa's interim police Chief Brian Dugan issued the warning Tuesday to residents of the Seminole Heights neighborhood. He says there are no clear connections between the victims — a 22-year-old black man and a 32-year-old white woman. Both were shot in separate incidents last week.

Dugan says the time frame, proximity and nature of the shootings led investigators to believe they're related.

Dugan warned residents to be aware. "It's very important that the people in these neighborhoods be aware of what's going on and keep an eye out."

Police say a homicide in North Tampa early Wednesday doesn't appear to be related to the previous shootings.